5 Things We Love

A shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. What are you loving this week? Send a brief description of your latest favorite thing, where to find it and how much it costs, along with your name and contact info to features@staradvertiser.com.

Candles, holders deliver beachy aura

Lemongrass-ginger candles in a gorgeous aquamarine color embody the essence of summer. Put them in a candle holder with a little sand and some shells and it’s like you’ve brought home a piece of the beach. Larger candles, assorted holders and pineapple-coconut pillars are also available at Kai Ku Hale in Haleiwa, 66-145 Kamehameha Highway; call 636-2244. One of my favorites is a glass holder in the shape of a starfish — a design specially made for the store, each one with a unique shape. Candle prices range from $2.50 for votives to $24. The recycled glass starfish is $14; the small recycled glass votive holder is $32.

—Nancy Arcayna

Durable drawer pulls are practical and perfectly elegant

These simple drawer pulls do exactly what one would want them to do: They give you something to grab while not grabbing on to you. And their elegant arched shape looks sharp, too. From Baldwin, a California-based designer of cabinet hardware, they’re available in four sizes from 3 inches to 8 3/4 inches, and in brushed nickel, chrome and tarnished brass finishes for $11 to $27. The core is made of solid brass, which holds up best in Hawaii’s salty, humid air, said Denise Fiddler of Fiddler’s, a longtime supplier of kitchen and bath hardware at 330 Kamani St. in Kakaako. "That kind of style is typical of what’s going on in Hawaii right now, which is an Asian minimalist feel," she said.

—Steven Mark

Journal keeps thoughts close

While wandering through Maunakea Marketplace, I came upon these silk-covered journals with an elastic band and coin charm, perfect for keeping notes or as a travel diary. Though most of us have gadgets to help keep track of our lives, there’s something comforting about writing in a journal by hand, the old-fashioned way. I was drawn to the teal-colored tablet, but there’s also brown, dark blue, black and red, each with a different pattern. Find them at Kimi’s (1120 Maunakea St., by the gateway) for $6 each or two for $10.

—Nina Wu

Pah Ke’s will satisfy all palates

Hawaii is blessed with all kinds of wonderful Chinese restaurants. Pah Ke’s in Kaneohe is one, and it just might please a range of foodies. The humble establishment at 46-018 Kamehameha Highway is geared for large parties and offers traditional Chinese fare and house specials that owners/brothers Raymond and Barry Siu characterize as "new Chinese-Hawaiian." The Stir-Fried Fresh Sea Scallops and Asparagus with Dried Scallop Chili Paste and Crispy Spinach Leaves — all one dish — will turn the pickiest child into a vegetable lover, and more sophisticated palates will appreciate Kaneohe-Grown Taro-Stuffed Duck ($15.95) and Big Island Hamakua Tomatoes Salad with Macadamia Nut Pesto and Waianae Goat Cheese ($12.95). But the biggest surprise is saved for last. Raymond Siu, who worked at the Halekulani, Alan Wong’s, Michel’s at the Colony Surf and Roy’s, is also a pastry chef, so feel free to skip the main course and head straight to dessert. The choices will amaze you, and so will the taste. Pah Ke’s is open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; call 235-4505.

—Colan Ishii, Aiea

Sakura cups bring beauty to rooms

These cherry blossom glasses from Roost are hand-painted, each one unique. Use them to brighten up your kitchen or bathroom, or as a delightful touch on the nightstand in your guest room. The 4-inch cups are $14 at Red Pineapple in Ward Centre, 593-2733.

—Donica Kaneshiro